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Awesome Action That's Historically Based - A Must Buy

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: March 24, 2005
Author: Amazon User

'Dynasty Warriors' is probably one of the very few games out there that are based on actual history. Not only is it tremendously addictive and guaranteed to keep your adrenaline pumping throughout the gameplay, it's also very thought-provoking. What would it have been like to be a soldier in China almost 2000 years ago, when you're thrown into hellish hand-to-hand combat amid the epic chaos of the overwhelming sight, smell, and sound of tens of thousands killing, screaming, and dying? This game gives you a very good about the confusion on the active battlefield, and the choice a soldier faces each second, whether to fight or retreat. Each battle happens realtime, so if you choose to run around and avoid combat, your 'team' will lose and so will you.

Becoming a hero is not easy, but it's tremendously absorbing and rewarding. Reacting to the realtime battlefield intelligence, I found my character constantly running to and fro, trying to shore up struggling units while protecting the leader. One faces tough decisions almost constantly, e.g. whether to fight from a horse to cover more areas, or focus on particular officers or the leader. I also found it difficult to tear my character away from a pitched battle to shore up my character's health. It's hard not to get emotionally attached to your fellow soliders and your leader. The importance of the collective morale is also vividly portrayed, as the scene of your team being swarmed by the enemies triggers an instinct to run away. As in real life, it requires a tremendous act of will to stay and fight when the odds are turning against you.

Overall, it's a very unique game that is crafted with tremendous care and polish. It has an emotional impact that will haunt you (in a nice, thought-provoking way) long after finishing it, and the game accomplishes that without gore and horror. If you really liked this game, I'd also recommend a great book - Steven Pressfield's 'Gates of Fire', which is guaranteed to be one of your favorites as well.

What Number is this......2?3?4...?

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 11 / 21
Date: April 02, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Koei has made another installment of the Dynasty Warriors series.Capitalizing,yet again,on "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" story.It goes a little something like this:set in ancient China,three kingdoms (Wu,Wei,Shu) are fighting for supreme rule over the land.It's your job to pick which one of them will prevail.Basically,you chose a character from one of the three dynasties and fight your way through various levels to achieve your goal.You must fight soldiers to gain experience and take on enemy generals to increase your stats(strength,health,defense),like in an RPG.Now,this is all good and fun....but it was also all "good and fun" in the first three Dynasty Warriors Playstation 2 games (Dynasty Warriors 2/3,Extreme Legends).The fact is,Dynasty Warriors 4 isn't much different from its predecesors.Here's whats changed:

Graphics:Although they haven't been greatly altered(like most of this game),they have been improved.The invironments look more realistic and less vibrant than in DW3.

Music:This is one of the parts that was most drastically changed.Straying from the "Hard-rock" sound,Koei implemented more of an Asian sound fused with some of the previous music.Depending on how you felt about the previous music,the change could be good or bad.Like the other games' soundtracks,this one has songs that "stick out" and are ones you'll most-likely enjoy.I,myself,liked the old sound better...but this one's okay.

Modes:The only "new" mode is "Edit".Here,you can "edit" your body guards,but options here are limited to name,gender,and some skin-color/type options.You can also make your very own playable officers in "Officer-Edit" mode.But,again,options are limited.

Controller:THE WORST MOVE KOEI MADE!This version takes PS2 controllers.NONE of the previous Playstation controllers will work.Why Koei did this,I have no clue.I know that I don't want to go out and buy a new controller just for one game though....

And,here's what pretty much stayed the same:

Story:Wow.Koei REALLY must not like change.I suppose they have a "Don't fix it if it ain't broke" thinking but,I believe they are in the teens' as to how many of their games have this story...

Gameplay:If you've played any PS2 Dynasty game,you'll know how to play this one.The use of attacks and combos are pretty much the same as in the previous titles.And if you're new to the series,it shouldn't take long for you to learn the controls.

Bad voice-acting:...I think this pretty much explains itself.

In closing....
For anyone who has never played,but curious...:This is a very good action/RPG game.Out of all the Dynasty games,this is a good one to start with.Very addicting.

Fans of the series:...don't expect too much.While it's a good game,it's not much different from the previous ones.

Opinion from someone who played for 50 hrs

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: April 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I know its embarrasing to say that one has played one videogame for 50 hours...but the truth is when you are referring to DW4 you have to put in 5-10 hours to see the true *GLORY* of the game. If you want repetitive beat em up action look elsewhere (you also have to pay attention to the strategies your unit employs and you don't always have to follow orders yelled out during battle)...one of the reviewers said that the AI was redundant (this individual probably couldn't get past one of the stages). I was in Free mode and played the same easy stage over and over again and took different paths and yes the AI reacted slightly differently each time. Some tips for the beginner...DO NOT create your own character first. What you should do is pick a provided general complete the story for that kingdom and unlock as many characters as you can....as soon as you unlock characters for all 3 kingdoms THEN create your own character. The game will then allow you to incorporate moves from the unlocked character into your unique character. For example you can actually create a female character with Ma Chao's moves...so I was not disappointed with this feature at all...

WAY better than number 3

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 11
Date: April 11, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Honestly, you'd think that Dynasty Warriors was done after number 3. For those who are complaining that its "the same thing" I certainly hope you don't play Resident Evil or Mega Man X series because they're kinda the same too.

Even to those who've played number 3 this is worth a try. There are now over 50 levels and several new characters to behold. Weapons are now more innovative and body guards do more than just get [killed], they actually...well, body guard.

Also, you can now edit and create your own character and body guards. Of course this brings alot more to the gameplay. Also, the music is different, but in my eyes isn't that much better.
The storyline and gameplay haven't changed at all, but the difficulty is really elevated.

The next thing to note is the sudden increase in levels. Where as Dynasty warriors 3 had 22 levels, this one has over 50. Thats 18+ new levels. Also, for each force it has more of a story or "Acts" as they're called in the game. The missions are about more than just finding the main person and killing them this time. Some require you to find a specific item (such as one where you must find the Imperial Seal) and if the enemy finds it you must stop there escape.

This is actually a lot better. Sure, its the same gameplay, but each new Dynasty Warriors game is most an expansion of the previous one anyway, they're just supposed to ADD more. No one said you had to buy the next one over and over again. By now, you should expect it to be more of the same thing, thus we don't have much of a right to complain...

Anyway, weapons are different as well. Now, you must gain experience by defeating and scoring combos on Generals. Not to mention that as a result, it teaches you to be more greedy with your KO's (and we really should be). You're body guards rise in level as well.

Also, another new addition is more things to do in the challenge mode and Versus mode. There is a new challenge mode that sees how many you can knock off a bridge and a new time attack mode. The Versus Mode has been extended as well. Now, you can duel with your friend one on one whenever you want. Speaking of duels, generals still have the same boring intro, but this time you'll be asked to a dual. The downside is that if you don't duel the entire force morale goes down and so you feel as if you're forced. Dueling with one general is like your basic fighter (but you can't jump), you're given a set basic time limit to end the duel. Its complete one on one and it works well. You get about 45 seconds which is more than enough time.

There are plenty of new additions but I'm currently still exploring the game for myself, I shall post another review later on.

But for me to keep going. You still have the same items, but they too, level up. Some are better than others, as usual, but they're easier to organize. The series has a small RPG like role in which you equip only certain parts of your characters. Not as free as in DW3, but it works none the less and brings the difficulty up.

But some of the bad. The same glitches from DW3 and DW2 are still there. The ones where the enemies disappear and "pop up" like they did in the previous installments. Also, in the beginning its VERY hard because some Generals can take you out in ONE combo.

THE GOOD

+Plenty of updates
+New Levels and characters
+Innovative weapons and items system
+More difficulty
+Good sound
+Smoother graphics
+Same easy controls
+Eidt Generals and Bodyguards!

THE BAD

-It still has those glitches (Random enemies pop up out of nowhere or aren't where they indicate on the radar)
-Same gameplay (I know I said not to complain but since some are gonna want to know)
-The new "General Duels" are somewhat forced upon you
-The one on one in VS. Mode is boring

Tons of Variety!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: April 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Ok, some of you DW players who have played or currently own the previous installments may find it more of the same thing except with a few improvements which I find true. But for anyone who doesn't own the previous installments get ready for the most action you'll ever have. Look at this: 1. There are over 42 different characters who look totally different and have different fighting styles. 2. The battle system and controls are top notch which makes fighting and slaughtering those thousands of soldiers and officers really fun. 3. 50 different levels!
4. There are different kingdoms which all have their own officers; Wu, Shu, Wei, Lu Bu's Kingdom, Dong Zhou's Kingdom, The religious sect of The Way of Peace, and the Nonman Tribe. 5. Every character comes with their own unique weapons which is slowly upgraded depending on your progress in every stage. The weapons have 4 levels each time increasing in power and detail which makes the last level weapon and 3rd level weapon look really cool! (especially final level weapon! They look sick.) So add that together and you've got over 200 weapons!!! And it's really fun upgrading weapons! 6. Items that you can equip to improve your characters stats! 7. Ride on Horses and Elephants!

Plus much More!!!!! All in all for newcomers to the series, this is gonna be one of the best games you'll ever play. To the veterans of the series, this is going to be much better than the previous games. All in all, buy this game and your going to have over 80+ hours of fun!

WARNING: EXTREMELY ADDICTIVE!!!

Still counting...

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: April 13, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game the very day it came out and I've been playing it every day since (that makes 18 days as of this review). I've been a fan of the series since DW 2 and they only get better! The AI is much trickier; it takes more than just mindless hacking to get through (even for the most powerful characters) and the later levels are pure adrenaline!! There is much more variety to the attacks of each character not to mention more variety to the characters attack patterns in general (some can grab and throw opponents, some can shoot magic, etc) and the enemy taunts are an nice touch.
Each level is now broken up into several sub-levels which further explain the story of the Three Kingdoms. There are even hidden levels available when certain conditions are met (certain generals defeated or allowed to escape, certain battles done out of order in story mode, etc).
The only aspect this game slips on is the Edit Character option. There are Very limited choices in body style (3 choices each for head, torso, legs/arms and hip) and not every character's weapon style is available (no magic staffs or war fans >_<=), but this is a minor detail in an otherwise Incredible game!
Also, this game series introduced me to the story of Romance of the Three Kindoms which in turn inspired me to learn more about the incredible history of Asia. I was even lucky enough to find a book with essays and thoughts on strategy written centuries ago by one of the characters found in the game: Shu's great strategist, Zhuge Liang!! Knowing the characters and story beforehand really added to the excitement, but is definitley not necessary to appreciate this game. Definitely for the warrior, general or commander in you.

Dynasty Warriors ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: September 21, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I think Dynasty Warriors 4 is a great game. I have 3 and 4. When I heard my cousins talking about it I quickly rushed to the store and bought Dynasty Warriors 3. I played it and I loved it. When I heard 4 was coming out I quickly went out and bought it. 4 is pretty much like 3 but better graphics, more stages, 3 new characters, a character edit mode, a new weapon experience system, more items, they added orbs, and more harnesses instead of only hex mark and red hare. The only bad things are that in options and sound there arent as many songs. Some of Dynasty Warriors 3 songs are better but Dynasty Warriors 4 is still a great game!I would recommend this game to everyone. This game is fun and educational. It's based on real chinese history. I bought it about half a year ago and I'm still playing it. The characters also have a new make-over. They sound and look different, but you can still be the old ones if you want because you can choose between costumes. They have new V.S modes too. In case you haven't played Dynasty Warriors before it is 3D and you walk around in a stage and go kill enemy troops and Generals. In most levels after you kill the general you will win. In Dynasty Warriors 4 you can make your own characters in a character edit mode. This game is really fun!!! If you don't have it then BUY IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You won't regret it. :)

I enjoy this entirely too much...

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: November 06, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Let's face it: Koei has habits, and they just aren't going to break them. The game mechanics for this are just about identical to Dynasty Warriors 3. Is this a good thing? Well, it depends on which habit. I'll get to that.

For those who haven't played it, Dynasty Warriors 4 is a non-stop "kill 'em all" game. You fight and fight and fight until you or your enemies are dead. Oh yeah, try to keep your commander alive.

What draws me to this game (and, I think, a lot of people) is the combination of frantic fights at the lower levels, and the Sauron-esque sweeping attacks at higher levels. Something about one swing dropping five or six enemies at a time, swinging the tide of battles and an entire war and dueling enemy generals from time to time is very compelling to what my wife would call "the boy side".
Well, yeah... but look how the weapons glow...
Some things, you just can't argue with.

As a consumer, when a new version of a game comes out, I want to see *improvements*, not necessarily a revamping of the game. The first (okay, third; but you see my point) version was fun enough for me to buy the next version, so why change things drastically? Folks just do things we can't explain sometimes. So we have some good, some not-so-good, and some bad.

The Bad
1.) Voice acting and scripting. Koei is hiring voice actors and writers of professional quality right now.
Well, no... they're not. But they should. It wouldn't take a whole lot of effort to get some solid scripting, and it seems a little odd that they put so much effort into the feel of the rest of the game, and skimped on the voices. Wey Yan sounds like Dr. Claw from Inspector Gadget, after all...

2.) Still no clear instructions on how to get the items in the game. It's fun to stumble across one, kind of like finding money in an old jacket. But it is incredibly frustrating to be SEEKING these items and have no clue how to get them, like losing the money you hid in the jacket. Koei, frustrating players too much = BAD.

The Not-So-Good

1.) The music. It's less painful than the music from DW3, but I still find myself tweaking the music sound options to low and turning on the cd player. Maybe we as consumers should expect awesome soundtracks with our videogames, but we don't. So it's not so bad.

2.) Stingy on the rewards. Increasing stats like Life and Musou aren't possible unless you find the magic elixers that do the job, and there just aren't that many of them. Means you have to play the same level over and over and over and over and over to really improve. Fair enough, but not thrilling.

The Good

1.) Presence Attack. This is really a decorative touch. Press R3 (yes, it's really a button) and your character makes a presence attack which stuns the people around him. Not super-effective, but adds feel and takes nothing from the game if you don't use it.

2.) Powerhouses have special effects. Bad guys smolder, smoke and have energy coursing off of them. When they're just standing around. That's pretty cool.

3.) Same combat mechanics. If you've played 3, you can play 4 and not lose a beat. Learning the basics takes all of three minutes, max. Simple, straightforward, decently versatile. I approve.

4.) Art. The characters really do look more impressive, better costuming and much better motion. Solid upgrade there, too.

5.) Battles. More campaign-style, you have to win a series of battles to move on to the next plot development. Definitely moving in the right direction, Koei.

To conclude, I think Koei moves slowly so they don't put out a trashy product. That's fine, I'm anxious to see the final result, and I don't mind waiting a little while for it.

If you like smash 'em ups and (mostly) non-stop action, DW4 is something you'll enjoy. The replay value is solid, as you can come back to the game after a few months away from it and still have a good time.

A great game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: March 29, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Well, I have sunk some solid time into DW4, and I am quite impressed. No, KOEI didn't deliver as much as I expected, but when your expectations were as high as mine, you can't expect perfection (notice I still gave this 5 stars!).

What's good about DW4 is actually great. KOEI decided that it would finally have normal enemies do damage to your character and attack you en masse, rather than wait for you to kill off whoever you were fighting at the time. This has the effect of making the game much more exciting; you must constantly change your perspective so that you don't get ambushed by another officer/grunt. Also, it is no longer possible to immediately run through and get every character's most powerful weapon (as was the case in DW3 and Xtreme Legends). Instead, you must play with one character long enough to power up his initial weapon (via a weapon experience system) before the fabled level 10 weapon can be obtained. Also, officers sometimes duel with you, and these duels are immensely fun, and are often times just as nervewracking as a 30-1 battle! There are multiple storylines, multiple movies, and hidden Musou missions for Lu Bu, Yuan Shao, Dong Zhuo, etc. The graphics are very nice (although this was never a problem with DW3), and the gameplay is top notch.

Where the game disappoints is in its use of its advertised Siege Engine. KOEI had promised a more strategic element, where the player could use catapults, battering rams, etc. in order to get a tactical advantage over his opponent. However, this fails to deliver; really, the only advantage of using the Siege Engine elements is the ability to see some cut scenes. I mean, this is nice, but it isn't strategical. I was a bit disappointed here.

However, this game continues to be the best hack-n-slash battle simulation on the market. I strongly urge any fan of the original to buy this, as well as anyone who just wants to have some mindless fun. However, if you were intrigued by the possibility of a more mental engagement, this game isn't for you. I hope that KOEI does better with the Siege Engine in the next installment.

A Welcome Addition

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: April 01, 2003
Author: Amazon User

If you liked Dynasty Warriors 2 and loved Dynasty Warriors 3, you will adore Dynasty Warriors 4. Yes, it's more of the same. The graphics are slightly cleaner, the draw distance is greater, and you get some fun new toys like siege weapons. But what will make you plunk down $...if you already own previous incarnations of the game are the extra stages and characters. The gameplay is good as ever, with a combat system simple to learn, but difficult to master. Each character has his or her own fighting style, which only adds to the challenge. I recommend this game to both the casual and the dedicated ancient Chinese warrior gamers.

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